- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Modified version of Clearlake’s July 4 celebration to move ahead
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of many annual events, the city of Clearlake’s July 4 celebration will take place in a modified format that will include its popular fireworks display.
The Lakeshore Lions Club plans and organizes the annual July 4 celebration for Clearlake and has done so for decades, and will present the 63rd annual event next month.
At the Clearlake City Council on June 4, City Manager Alan Flora told the council that the Lions Club was working to move forward on its plans for a celebration.
Then, this past week, the Lions Club announced that it is moving ahead with a modified version of the event.
The Clearlake fireworks show will take place beginning at dusk, but other key aspects of the event, such as the annual parade, carnival and classic car show, won’t be held because the Lions Club said the typical format “just wasn't feasible given the current situation.”
It promises to be the only major public fireworks display for Lake County this year, as the pandemic has led to the cancellation of the displays in Lakeport and Clearlake Oaks.
The Lions Club said this year’s event will offer food vendors from 4 to 8 p.m.
Those who wish to participate in the celebration can expect two elements, the Lions Club said.
The two elements include a "drive in" experience for those with vehicles and a "picnic in the park" experience for those walking in. The club will be welcoming a $10 donation to park vehicles in an effort to make up for a lack of fundraising opportunities so far this year.
Families driving in can park their vehicle and enjoy the fireworks display just as they would enjoy a drive-in movie. “Vehicles will be parked with adequate space between them to adhere to social distancing,” the Lions Club said.
“The ‘picnic in the park’ experience will allow those on foot to come and sit on the grass in designated areas, again adhering to social distancing guidelines,” the club reported.
The Lions Club is encouraging social distancing and the wearing of masks when people are away from your designated area or vehicle. Restrooms and handwashing stations also will be available.
Separately, Flora told Lake County News that there are plans to livestream the fireworks show for those who prefer to watch them at home.
“We plan to have Austin Park open for the weekend. We will also do a small ceremony for the raising of the flag, which has been delayed this year, but I don’t have all the details on this yet,” Flora said.
At its meeting on Thursday, the Clearlake City Council is expected to approve the Lakeshore Lions Club’s special event application, including its request to close down several streets – Lakeshore Drive from Olympic Drive to Division Avenue, Austin Road from Lakeshore Drive to Pine Street, and Olympic from Pine Street to Division Avenue – from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4.
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